Households get happier

Britons are taking the least pessimistic view on their future finances in more than two years this month thanks to sliding inflation, a survey showed, fuelling hopes that consumers may have more money left to spend and support the ailing economy.

The headline Household Finance Index ticked up to 37.5 this month from 37.0 in June, survey compiler Markit said this week, hitting its highest since March, but remained below the 50 level that would mark no change in finances compared with a month ago.